Australian horseracing organisation Racing Victoria has signed a 10-year partnership with telecommunications firm Telstra.
The contract, which runs from 2015 to 2024, will result in Racing Victoria adopting the newly-launched Telstra Digital Video Network, along with licences for Telstra-owned video analytics firm Ooyala, production services from Telstra-owned Chief Entertainment, and satellite delivery services from third party broadcast services provider, Globecast.
From early 2016, following the installation of the Telstra Digital Video Network, Racing Victoria will have the future capability to deliver multiple broadcast feeds from the state’s 24 premier racecourses, build the camera angles available to fans, as well as incorporate new data into broadcast streams.
Through the services of Globecast, Racing Victoria will also deliver an enhanced satellite service to the remaining 27 country tracks that host race meetings.
The partnership with Telstra provides the capability for Racing Victoria to service multiple broadcast partners, including wagering service providers, whilst continuing to support vision on Racing.com – the portal for thoroughbred racing in Victoria – and extend to near-real time live video streams on the mobile web. In addition, Telstra fixed internet subscribers will also be able to access unmetered downloads from Racing.com.
Martijn Blanken, chief customer officer of global enterprise and services at Telstra, said: “This new model is one of the first of its kind in Australia and demonstrates a truly disruptive approach to sports broadcasting.”
The deal does not include broadcast rights. Racing Victoria is seeking to widen access to its events following the collapse of pay-television broadcaster TVN, which ceased broadcasting on March 15.